Tensioner

ABSTRACT

A tensioner comprising a base, a first pivot arm pivotally engaged to the base, a first pulley journalled to the first pivot arm, a second pivot arm pivotally engaged to the base, a second pulley journalled to the second pivot arm, a flexible tensile member having a toothed engagement with the first pivot arm and a toothed engagement with the second pivot arm whereby the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm move in a coordinated manner, and a tensioner assembly pivotally engaged to the base and engaged with the flexible tensile member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a tensioner, and more particularly, to atensioner having a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm mounted to abase, a flexible member trained between the first pivot arm and thesecond pivot arm so the pivot arms move in a coordinated manner, and atensioner assembly mounted to the base engaging the flexible member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In most belt drive applications the ability to maintain proper belttension is important to ensure power transmission without slippage ofthe belt. The lowest tension span in a belt drive is commonly referredto as the slack side span. Tensioners are traditionally positioned onthe slack side span of a belt drive and are tasked with maintaining theproper minimum belt tension in this span. Using the belt rotationdirection as a guide, this span is the span located just after the powerproviding pulley or crankshaft in this case. For instance, as thecrankshaft rotates, the slack side span will be the span where the belthas just left the crankshaft pulley and the tight side span will be thespan approaching the crankshaft pulley.

Belt alternator starter (BAS) systems utilize an alternator that alsofunctions as motor. This is sometimes referred to as a motor-generator.The operation of the BAS system is such that when the engine is running,the alternator primarily behaves in a traditional manner and the belt isloaded normally with the power being provided by the engine crankshaftpulley and loaded by the alternator. In BAS systems the drive istypically arranged to position the alternator as the next accessoryafter the belt passes over the crankshaft. In this arrangement, the belttensioner should be located between the crankshaft pulley and thealternator. The tensioner is located just before the alternator usingthe belt rotation direction as a guide.

BAS systems bring a unique problem to the belt drive. The alternatoracts as both a load on the belt drive and a power provider for the beltdrive. The BAS system alternator is used to start the engine and thealternator is used to provide power to the engine. In start instances,the alternator pulley becomes a power provider for the drive. Thistypically transforms the location of the slack span in the drive to thespan following the alternator pulley. Additionally, the tight side spanis now the span between the alternator and the crankshaft. Since atraditional tensioner is designed to simply maintain a minimum level ofslack side tension, the now high tension in the belt at the tensionerlocation causes extreme movement of the tensioner. Additionally, thissituation creates the need for a second tensioner in a location on thenew slack side span.

The traditional approach to solving this problem is to create a beltdrive with two tensioners. This second tensioner is typically atensioner with high resistance to movement away from the belt. Thesecond tensioner is often an expensive hydraulic tensioner. This twotensioner arrangement also requires an excessively long belt toaccommodate the multiple tensioners in the drive. This often results inan expensive solution.

Representative of the art is U.S. Pat. No. 7,494,434 which discloses anaccessory drive for an engine with a belt driven starter generatoradapted for driving and being driven by the engine. In an exemplaryembodiment, the drive includes a first engine drive pulley and a secondstarter drive pulley. A drive belt engages the drive pulleys for drivingeither pulley from the other. A dual belt tensioner made as apreassembled unit has a carrier with a central pivot mounted to theengine and first and second carrier arms extending radially from thecentral pivot. A first tensioner mounted on the first arm carries afirst tensioner pulley biased against a first belt run adjacent thesecond drive pulley that is slack during engine starting. A secondtensioner pulley carried on the second arm is biased against a secondbelt run adjacent the second drive pulley that is taut during enginestarting A hydraulic strut connected to the second arm, and preferablyincluded in the preassembled unit, provides moderate biasing for thesecond tensioner pulley during normal engine operation and velocitysensitive resistance, to increased belt forces, that limits reactivemovement of the second tensioner pulley during engine starting andtransient engine operation.

What is needed is a tensioner having a first pivot arm and a secondpivot arm mounted to a base, a flexible member trained between the firstpivot arm and the second pivot arm so the pivot arms move in acoordinated manner, and a tensioner assembly mounted to the baseengaging the flexible member. The present invention meets this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary aspect of the invention is to provide a tensioner having afirst pivot arm and a second pivot arm mounted to a base, a flexiblemember trained between the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm sothe pivot arms move in a coordinated manner, and a tensioner assemblymounted to the base engaging the flexible member.

Other aspects of the invention will be pointed out or made obvious bythe following description of the invention and the accompanyingdrawings.

The invention comprises a tensioner comprising a base, a first pivot armpivotally engaged to the base, a first pulley journalled to the firstpivot arm, a second pivot arm pivotally engaged to the base, a secondpulley journalled to the second pivot arm, a flexible tensile memberhaving a toothed engagement with the first pivot arm and a toothedengagement with the second pivot arm whereby the first pivot arm and thesecond pivot arm move in a coordinated manner, and a tensioner assemblypivotally engaged to the base and engaged with the flexible tensilemember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, and together with a description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the device.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device.

FIG. 4 is a detail of a damping assembly.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the damping assembly in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a detail of a damping assembly.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the damping assembly in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a synchronous tensioner assembly.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the synchronous tensioner assembly in FIG.8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an idler assembly.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an idler assembly.

FIG. 12A is a detail of a pivot arm.

FIG. 12B is a detail of a pivot arm.

FIG. 13A is a detail of a pivot arm.

FIG. 13B is a detail of a pivot arm.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the internals of the device.

FIG. 15 is a detail of the device in an operating position on an engine.

FIG. 16 shows the orientation of pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 and thehub load in the at rest position.

FIG. 17A is a detail of the pivot arm load conditions.

FIG. 17B is a detail of the pivot arm load conditions.

FIG. 18 shows the orientation of pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 and thehub load in the alternator starting mode position.

FIG. 19 is a detail of a clutch spring.

FIG. 20 is a detail of a clutch spring.

FIG. 21 is a detail of the base.

FIG. 22A illustrates pivot arm position during an operating condition.

FIG. 22B illustrates pivot arm position during an operating condition.

FIG. 22C illustrates pivot arm position during an operating condition.

FIG. 22D illustrates pivot arm position during an operating condition.

FIG. 23 is an underside view of the tensioner assembly in FIG. 8.

FIG. 24 is a detail of a tensioner spring.

FIG. 25 is a detail of the base.

FIG. 26 is a rear detail of the tensioner mounted to the alternator.

FIG. 27 is a rear top view detail of the tensioner mounted to thealternator.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the tensioner arm.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of section 29-29 from FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the device. The inventive tensioner1000 comprises a first tensioner assembly 501 and a second tensionerassembly 502 each pivotally mounted to a base 1.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the device. Extending from base 1 isshaft 2 and shaft 22. Pivot arm 5 is pivotally journalled to shaft 2through a bushing 6. The pivot axis of pivot arm 5 is coaxial with shaft2. Pivot arm 55 is pivotally journalled to shaft 22 through a bushing66. The pivot axis of pivot arm 55 is coaxial with shaft 22. Shaft 2 andshaft 22 are not coaxial. The pivot axis of arm 5 is not coaxial withthe pivot axis of arm 55.

Clutch spring 3 is engaged between damping assembly 4 and base 1. Clutchspring 33 is engaged between damping assembly 44 and base 1. Pulley 101is journalled to pivot arm 55 through bearing 102. Pulley 10 isjournalled to pivot arm 5 through bearing 12. Clutch spring 3 and clutchspring 33 are used to activate the damping function.

Fastener 14 and fastener 144 retain cover 9 on base 1. Arm 5 is retainedon base 1 by retaining ring 7. Tensioner assembly 15 is retained on base1 by cover 9. Cover 9 protects the internal components from debris.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device. Washer 120 is disposed betweenretaining ring 7 and bushing 6. Washer 122 is disposed between retainingring 77 and bushing 66. Arm 5 pivots about bushing 6 and bushing 661.Arm 55 pivots about bushing 660 and bushing 66. Fastener 13 engages arm5. Fastener 133 engages arm 55.

FIG. 4 is a detail of a damping assembly. FIG. 5 is an exploded view ofthe damping assembly in FIG. 4. Damping assembly 4 comprises dampingshoe 41 and damping ring 42. Damping ring 42 is coaxial with dampingshoe 41. Damping ring 42 is cylindrical in shape with a gap 421 in anaxial direction. Damping ring 42 has a plurality of tabs 420 and 430projecting inwardly for containing damping shoe 41. Damping shoe 41 iscylindrical in shape with a gap 410 in an axial direction. The outersurface 422 of damping ring 42 frictionally engages inner surface 51 ofpivot arm 5.

FIG. 6 is a detail of a damping assembly. FIG. 7 is an exploded view ofthe damping assembly in FIG. 6. Damping assembly 44 comprises dampingshoe 441 and damping ring 442. Damping ring 442 is coaxial with dampingshoe 441. Damping ring 442 is cylindrical in shape with a gap 4440extending axially. Damping ring 442 has a plurality of tabs 4420 andtabs 4430 projecting inward for containing damping shoe 441. Dampingshoe 441 is cylindrical in shape with a gap 4410 extending axially. Theouter surface 4421 of damping ring 442 frictionally engages innersurface 551 of pivot arm 55.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a tensioner assembly. FIG. 9 is anexploded view of the tensioner assembly in FIG. 8. Synchronous tensionerassembly 15 comprises a rotatable belt guide 151, fastener 152, arm 153and spring 154. Belt guide 151 is journalled to arm 153 by shaft 155.Shaft 155 engages hole 1532 in arm 153. Arm 153 is pivotally attached tobase 1 by fastener 152. Spring 154 is fixedly attached to arm 153 by tab1530 and tab 1531, see FIG. 28. Spring 154 acts as a biasing member toapply a torque to arm 153, which then applies load to belt 8. FIG. 23 isan underside view of the tensioner assembly in FIG. 8. FIG. 24 is adetail of a tensioner spring. FIG. 25 is a detail of the base. Springend 1540 is engaged between tab 912 and tab 913 in base 1 which preventsrotation of spring 154 when loaded, see FIG. 21 and FIG. 25.

Shaft 2 is fixedly attached to base 1. Clutch spring 3 is fixedlyattached to base 6 through tang 31 which engages slot 911 of base 1, seeFIG. 19 and FIG. 21. Pivot arm 5 and bushing 6 and bushing 661 arejournalled to shaft 2 through bore 54. Washer 120 is coaxial with shaft2. Retaining ring 7 is fixedly located on shaft 2 in groove 21. Dampingassembly 4 is coaxial with pivot arm 5.

Shaft 22 is fixedly attached to base 1. Clutch spring 33 is attached tobase 1 through tang 331 which engages slot 910, see FIG. 20 and FIG. 21.Pivot arm 55 and bushing 66 and bushing 660 are pivotally attached toshaft 22 through bore 554. Washer 122 is coaxial with shaft 22.Retaining ring 77 is fixedly located on shaft 22 in groove 221.Retaining ring 7 retains arm 5 on shaft 2. Retaining ring 7 is fixedlylocated on shaft 2 in groove 21. Retaining ring 77 retains arm 55 onshaft 22. Damping assembly 44 is coaxial with pivot arm 55. Dampingassembly 44 frictionally engages pivot arm damping surface 551.

FIG. 10 is a detail of an idler assembly. FIG. 11 is a detail of anidler assembly. Pulley 10 is journalled to bearing 12. Bearing 12 isjournalled to pivot arm 5 on surface 53. Pulley 101 is journalled tobearing 102. Bearing 102 is journalled to pivot arm 55 on surface 553.

FIG. 12A is a detail of a pivot arm. FIG. 12B is a detail of a pivotarm. FIG. 13A is a detail of a pivot arm. FIG. 13B is a detail of apivot arm. Pivot arm bearing mounting surface 53 receives bearing 12 andis not coaxial with pivot arm bore 54, see bearing axis (A) and pivotaxis (B) respectively. Pivot arm bearing mounting surface 553 receivesbearing 102 and is not coaxial with pivot arm bore 554. Bore 54 engagesshaft 2 which receives fastener 13. Bore 554 engages shaft 22 whichreceives fastener 133.

Pivot arm 5 pivots about the pivot axis (A). Bearing 12 rotates aboutthe bearing axis (B). Bearing axis (B) and pivot axis (A) are notcoaxial, and instead are offset from each other by a distance (X).

Pivot arm 55 pivots about the pivot axis (A2). Bearing 102 rotates aboutthe bearing axis (B2). Bearing axis (B2) and the pivot axis (A2) are notcoaxial, and instead are offset from each other by a distance (Y).

Belt 8 engages sprocket 52 and sprocket 552 on pivot arm 5 and pivot arm55 respectively. Belt 8 may be toothed, but may also comprise anyflexible member suitable for bearing a tensile load. Sprocket 52 andsprocket 552 are each toothed to positively engage belt 8.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the internals of the device. Belt 8engages tensioner assembly 15. All tensile loads in belt 8 and in belt200 are imparted by tensioner assembly 15. Rotation of pivot arm 5causes movement of belt 8 which in turn causes movement in asynchronized or coordinated manner of pivot arm 55 in the samerotational direction as pivot arm 5. Rotation of pivot arm 55 causesmovement of belt 8 which in turn causes movement in a synchronized orcoordinated manner of pivot arm 5 in the same rotational direction aspivot arm 55, as well. Hence, in operation pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55move substantially simultaneously by action of belt 8.

A “synchronized” movement may be described as a movement of pivot arm 5and pivot arm 55 wherein each pivot arm rotates at substantially thesame time through substantially the same angle. A “coordinated” movementmay be described as a movement of pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 whereineach pivot arm rotates at substantially the same time, but not throughan identical angle for both pivot arms. Rotation of the pivot armsthrough non-identical angles may be caused by stretch of belt 8 forexample, as explained herein, see FIG. 22.

FIG. 15 is a detail of the device in an operating position on an engine.In a typical asynchronous accessory belt drive system (ABDS) theinventive device 1000 is arranged such as shown in FIG. 15. Tensioner1000 is mounted to the alternator 203 using fasteners 13 and 133. Belt200 is routed around a crankshaft pulley 201, alternator pulley 202 andtensioner pulley 10 and pulley 101. This arrangement disposes the beltspans on either side of alternator pulley 202. Tension in belt 200 ismaintained by operation of tensioner 1000 and the position of pulley 10and pulley 101. Belt 200 is typically a multi-ribbed belt known in theart, namely, it comprises multiple ribs running in the longitudinal orendless direction.

The position of pivot arm 5 and thus pulley 10 is controlled by belt 8.The position of pivot arm 55 and thus pulley 101 is also controlled bybelt 8. Tension in belt 8 is controlled by the position of pulley 10 andpulley 101. Tension in belt 8 is maintained by tensioner assembly 15.The span of belt 8 that engages tensioner assembly 15 is the tight sidespan of belt 8. The remaining span 81 of belt 8 does not require anytensioning. The tension in belt 8 creates torque on pivot arm 5 andpivot arm 55 through its engagement with sprocket 52 and sprocket 552respectively.

FIG. 16 shows the orientation of pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 and thehub load in the “at rest” position. When the engine accessory drive isin the at rest position, the tension in belt 200 is equalized throughoutthe belt. Tension of belt 200 in this condition is the initial belttension and it is established by the inventive tensioner. Pivot arm 5and pivot arm 55 are each urged to rotate into belt 200 due to thetorque induced on them by the tension in belt 8 caused by tensionerassembly 15 bearing on belt 8. The tension in belt 8 causes pivot arm 5and pivot arm 55 to rotate until the torque is opposed equally by thetorque created by the hub load from belt 200. The belt 200 hub load actsagainst pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 through the center axis of bearing12 and bearing 102 respectively. This causes a torque to be induced oneach pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 based on the direction of the load onthe respective arm and the effective arm length. Each pivot arm 5 andpivot arm 55 will rotate until the hub load torque is equal and oppositethe belt 8 torque on the respective pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55.

The length of the moment arm from belt 8 acting on pivot arm 5 is equalto the pitch diameter of sprocket 52 (for example, 26.3 mm). The lengthof the moment arm acting on pivot arm 5 from the belt 200 hub load isequal to the arm length times the sine of the angle of the force to thepivot arm 5 which is referred to as the effective arm length. FIG. 17Ais a detail of the pivot arm load conditions. FIG. 17B is a detail ofthe pivot arm load conditions.

The length of the moment arm of belt 8 acting on pivot arm 55 is equalto the ½ pitch diameter of sprocket 552 (for example, 26.3 mm). Thelength of the moment arm acting on pivot arm 55 from the belt 200 hubload is equal to the arm length times the sine of the angle of the forceto the pivot arm 55 which is also referred to as the effective armlength.

In a belt drive, when the torsion angle of a belt around a pulley is 60degrees the hub load created by the tension in the belt is roughly equalto the tension in the belt. For instance, if the tension in each span ofthe belt is 100N, then the hub load on a pivot arm 5 would equal 100Nwhen the torsion angle is 60 degrees.

The torque created in pivot arm 5 is then the hub load 100N times theeffective arm length. If the effective arm length is 7 mm, then thetorque on pivot arm 5 from the hub load is 100N×0.007 m=0.70 Nm.

The tension in belt 8 would then need to be 0.7 Nm/0.0263 m=26.6N tocreate an equal and opposite torque on pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55.

As can be seen from the previous example, the tension in belt 8 needonly be roughly ¼ that of the belt 200 slack side tension. This is theratio of the effective arm length to the radius of sprocket 52 andsprocket 552.

FIG. 18 shows the orientation of pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 and thehub load in the alternator starting mode position. During a startingevent in which the alternator becomes the driver pulley in the systeminstead of the crankshaft, the upper span (C) in FIG. 18 becomes theslack side span and the lower belt span (D) the tight side span. If thealternator supplies 60 Nm of torque for a starting event, the tight sidetension must rise to a level capable of supporting this level of powertransmission. During a start event, the lower pivot arm 55 is forced torotate by the increased tension in belt 200. The tension in belt 200rises to a level that is sufficient to start the engine rotating, thatis, driving the crankshaft.

In belt drives, the ratio of the tight side tension to the slack sidetension about a pulley is known as the tension ratio. To maintain properbelt function in an ABDS drive, it is necessary that the tension ratiobe approximately 5.

For a starting event requiring 60 Nm torque supplied by the alternator,the difference in tension about the alternator pulley required to create60 Nm torque is:

Torque=r*ΔT=r(T2−T1)  (Eq. 1)

-   -   Where    -   T2=tight side tension    -   T1=slack side tension    -   R=pulley radius=0.030 m    -   solving for ΔT:    -   ΔT=Torque/r=60/0.030=2000N

It is known that the slack side tension must be such that a tensionratio of 5 is maintained for proper ABDS system function. So:

T2/T1=5  (Eq. 2)

It is known that

ΔT=T2−T1  (Eq.3)

Solving for T2 in Eq. 3

T2=ΔT+T1

Substituting into Eq. 2 and solving for T1

(ΔT+T1)/T1=5

ΔT+T1=5T1

ΔT=4T1

ΔT/4=T1

2000/4=T1

T1=500N

Substituting back into Eq. 2

T2/T1=5

T2/500=5

T2=2500N

The high tension in the tight side span (T2) (see (D) FIG. 18) duringthe starting event causes the hub load acting on pivot arm 55 to createa torque that causes the arm to rotate to a position where the armdirection is essentially parallel with the direction of the hub load,see FIG. 18. This has the effect of temporarily transforming tensionerassembly 502 into a fixed idler. The amount of rotation of tensionerassembly 502 pivot arm 55 is approximately 65 degrees.

The arrangement of pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 is such that as eachrotates toward belt 200 the movement of pulley 10 and pulley 101respectively toward the belt 200 per degree of rotation is greater thanwhen each pivot arm rotates away from belt 200. This requires that theangle of rotation of the slack side tensioner assembly 501 be less thanthat moved by the tight side tensioner assembly 502 in order to maintainthe same belt length. Table 1 shows the amount of rotation of each pivotarm 5 and pivot arm 55 during a starting event with no belt stretch.

TABLE 1 Belt Δ angle Position length Top Arm 5 Δ angle Bottom Arm 55Nominal (no load) 884.2 mm — — Alternator starting 884.2 mm 25° 65°

Since belt 200 stretches due to loading, the slack side pivot arm 5 mustcompensate for this stretch. Assuming the amount of belt stretch due toloading is 3 mm, the slack side tensioner must rotate an additional 30degrees to take up this additional belt length. Table 2 shows the amountof rotation of each pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 during a starting eventand includes the information taking belt stretch into account.

TABLE 2 Belt Δ angle Δ angle Bottom Position length Top Arm 5 Arm 55Nominal (no load) 884.2 mm — — Alternator start (no stretch) 884.2 mm25° 65° Alternator start (with stretch) 887.2 mm 55° 65°

As can be seen in Table 2, the slack side tensioner pivot arm 5 mustrotate an additional 30 degrees to account for the stretch of belt 200.FIG. 22A illustrates pivot arm position during an operating condition.FIG. 22B illustrates pivot arm position during an operating condition.FIG. 22C illustrates pivot arm position during an operating condition.FIG. 22D illustrates pivot arm position during an operating condition.

Additionally, the arrangement is such that the slack side pivot arm 5effective arm length is reduced as it moves toward belt 200. Thisreduction in effective arm length enables the inventive device toincrease slack side tension and thus increase the overall belt 200tension during events such as alternator starting. This is accomplishedbecause the tension in belt 8 is controlled via the tensioner assembly15. Tensioner assembly 15 induces a torque on pivot arm 5 that must beopposed by the hub load of belt 200 as previously described. Fifty-Fivedegrees of rotation of the slack side pivot arm 5 reduces its effectivearm length from 7 mm to 4.2 mm.

Since tensioner assembly 15 controls the tension in belt 8 and therebybelt 200, it controls the torque in pivot arm 5. The rotation angle ofpivot arm 5 is less than the rotation angle of pivot arm 55 by 10degrees. This effectively shortens the span of belt 8 acting upontensioner assembly 15, thereby causing rotation of tensioner assembly15. The rotation of tensioner assembly causes the tension in belt 8 toincrease. Increasing tension in belt 8 increases the torque on pivot arm5 and pivot arm 55. The hub load force creating the opposing torque onpivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 must increase to reach equilibrium.

To calculate the tension on belt 200 which is approximately equal to thehub load as previously shown, one simply divides the torque on pivot arm5 from belt 8 by the new effective arm length. The new tension in belt 8is 81N. The torque on pivot arm 5 from belt 8 is 2.13 Nm. The tension inbelt 200 is 2.13 Nm/0.0042 m=507N. This tension is above the minimumslack side tension (T1) calculated earlier and creates the properoverall belt tension. The inventive device's ability to increase slackside tension is advantageous in that it allows overall initial tensionsto be reduced which is beneficial for belt life and accessory life.

Hence, for a 60 Nm starting event, the inventive device provides theminimum 500N slack side tension. For a 60 Nm regenerative braking event,the inventive device provides the minimum 500N slack side tension. Forno load situations, the inventive device provides reduced slack sidetension of 100N. For medium load situations such as 20 Nm alternatorload, the inventive device provides the necessary slack side tension of167N.

Please note that all numeric values used in this description are onlyexamples used for the purpose of illustration and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention.

Damping belt vibration is also an important function of tensioners.Damping is most often accomplished by creating resistance to movement inthe tensioner pivot arm. It is generally considered advantageous to haveasymmetric damping in ABDS tensioners. Asymmetric damping is a conditionwhere resistance to tensioner arm movement differs depending on thedirection of tensioner pivot arm movement.

FIG. 19 is a detail of a clutch spring. FIG. 20 is a detail of a clutchspring. Damping in the inventive tensioner is created through theinteraction of damping assembly 4 with clutch spring 3 and pivot arm 5,and by interaction of damping assembly 44 with clutch spring 33 andpivot arm 55. Clutch spring 3 is a right hand wind and clutch spring 33is a left hand wind. Clutch spring 3 is attached to base 1 through theengagement of tang 31 into slot 911. Clutch spring 33 is attached tobase 1 through the engagement of tang 331 into slot 910, see FIG. 21.FIG. 21 is a detail of the base.

Clutch spring 3 acts as a one way clutch against damping assembly 4.Clutch spring 3 limits damping assembly 4 so it will only rotate freelyin the direction in which the pivot arm 5 rotates toward the belt 200.Damping assembly 4 is configured such that damping shoe 41 createsoutward pressure on damping ring 42 which in turn is forced outward intocontact with damping surface 51 of pivot arm 5. The normal force createdby this outward pressure combines with the friction coefficient ofdamping ring 42 on the pivot arm 5 to create a frictional forceresisting movement between damping assembly 4 and pivot arm 5. Thefriction force causes damping assembly 4 to urge pivot arm 5 to rotatewhenever damping assembly 4 rotates.

Clutch spring 33 acts as a one way clutch against damping assembly 44.Clutch spring 33 limits damping assembly 44 so it will only rotatefreely in the direction in which pivot arm 55 rotates toward the belt200. Damping assembly 44 is configured such that damping shoe 441creates outward pressure on damping ring 442 which in turn is forcedoutward into contact with damping surface 551 of pivot arm 55. Thenormal force created by this outward pressure combines with the frictioncoefficient of damping ring 442 on pivot arm 55 to create a frictionalforce resisting movement between the damping assembly 44 and pivot arm55. The friction force causes damping assembly to cause pivot arm 55 torotate whenever damping assembly 44 rotates.

During vehicle operation in which the tight span of belt 200 is engagedwith tensioner assembly 15, as belt 200 tension increases, the torqueexerted by the hub load on pivot arm 5 increases causing pivot arm 5 torotate away from belt 200. During this movement away from belt 200,clutch spring 3 locks against damping assembly 4 eliminating the abilityof damping ring 4 to rotate with pivot arm 5, which stops pivot arm 5from rotating. Pivot arm 5 can then only rotate after the torque causedby the increasing hub load exceeds the resistance from damping assembly4. In addition, the tension in the slack side span of belt 200 drops andthe respective pivot arm 55 moves into belt 200. Since in this directionof rotation the clutch spring 33 clutch releases, pivot arm 55 freelyrotates and thereby maintains proper slack span belt tension.

During vehicle operation in which the tight span is against tensionerassembly 502, as belt 200 tension increases, the torque exerted by thehub load on pivot arm 55 increases causing the arm to rotate away frombelt 200. During this movement away from belt 200, clutch spring 33locks against damping assembly 44 eliminating the ability of dampingassembly 44 to rotate with pivot arm 55, thereby stopping pivot arm 55.Pivot arm 55 can only rotate after the torque caused by the increasinghub load exceeds the resistance from damping assembly 44. In addition,the tension in the slack side span of belt 200 drops and the respectivepivot arm 5 moves into belt 200. Since in this direction of rotation theclutch spring 3 clutch releases pivot arm 5, pivot arm 5 freely rotatesand thereby maintains proper slack span belt tension in belt 200.

The rotational resistance of pivot arm 5 caused by damping assembly 4acting with clutch spring 3 creates a greater resistance to movement inone direction than the other. The unequal resistance to rotation createsasymmetric damping in tensioner assembly 501.

The rotational resistance of pivot arm 55 caused by damping assembly 44acting with clutch spring 33 creates greater resistance to movement inone direction than the other. This unequal resistance to rotationcreates asymmetric damping in tensioner assembly 502.

BAS systems also operate in normal modes in which the alternator loadsthe crankshaft pulley through belt 200, for example, when the alternatoris generating electrical power.

BAS systems also operate in modes in which the alternator is used tohighly load the crankshaft pulley and in turn assist vehicle breaking,also referred to as regenerative braking. In regenerative braking eventsthe loading of the belt is opposite of that described above in thealternator starting event. In this case the function of the inventivetensioner is merely switched such that the tight span of belt 200 bearson tensioner assembly 501 and the slack side span of belt 200 bears ontensioner assembly 502.

Further embodiments include, but are not limited to, sprocket 52 andsprocket 552 are each individually or in combination, non-circular inshape. Each sprocket 52 and sprocket 552 can be non-coaxial with pivotarm 5 and pivot arm 55 pivot axis respectively. Sprocket 52 and sprocket552 can be eccentric to pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 and each can have adifferent offset respectively. Pivot arm 5 can have a differenteccentric offset from pivot arm 55. Sprocket 52 and sprocket 552 can bedifferent diameter. Belt 8 need not be an endless plurality of evenlyspaced teeth, namely, belt 8 can have ends wherein span 81 is notpresent. Belt 8 need not be an endless plurality of evenly spaced teethbut rather only needs to be toothed at the interface with sprocket 52and sprocket 552. Belt 8 can be a flexible endless member such as a flatbelt, strap, rope or cable capable of carrying a tensile load. Belt 8can be a rigid bar hinged near tensioner assembly 15. Belt 8 can bereplaced by a compressible member representing span 81 of belt 8.

FIG. 26 is a rear detail of the tensioner mounted to the alternator.Fastener 13 and fastener 133 are used to attach the tensioner 1000 to analternator 203.

FIG. 27 is a rear top view detail of the tensioner mounted to thealternator.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the tensioner arm. End 1541 of spring 154engages between tab 1530 and tab 1531 on pivot arm 153.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of section 29-29 in FIG. 2. Dampingassembly 4 frictionally engages surface 51 of pivot arm 5. Dampingassembly 44 frictionally engages surface 551 of pivot arm 55. Clutchspring 3 frictionally engages damping shoe 41. Clutch spring 33frictionally engages damping shoe 441. Clutch spring 3 and clutch spring33 are each loaded in the unwinding direction, which means the diameterof each expands as the imparted load increases. Expansion of clutchspring 3 presses damping shoe 41 against damping ring 42 which in turnpresses against surface 51, which slows or stops rotation of pivot arm5. Expansion of clutch spring 33 presses damping shoe 441 againstdamping ring 442 which in turn presses against surface 551, which slowsor stops rotation of pivot arm 55.

For example, if belt 8 moves in direction (M1), clutch spring 3 will beloaded in the winding direction and therefore will not resist rotationof pivot arm 5. However, clutch spring 33 will be loaded in theunwinding direction and therefore damping assembly 44 will resistrotation of pivot arm 55.

If belt 8 moves in direction (M2), clutch spring 3 will be loaded in theunwinding direction and therefore will resist rotation of pivot arm 5.However, clutch spring 33 will be loaded in the winding direction andtherefore damping assembly 44 will not resist rotation of pivot arm 55.

Tensioner assembly 15 will maintain load in belt 8 regardless of thedirection of movement of belt 8. Tensioner assembly 15 will maintainload in belt 200 through each pivot arm 5 and pivot arm 55 regardless ofthe direction of movement of belt 200.

Although a form of the invention has been described herein, it will beobvious to those skilled in the art that variations may be made in theconstruction and relation of parts and method without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention described herein.

We claim:
 1. A tensioner comprising: a base; a first pivot arm pivotallyengaged to the base, a first pulley journalled to the first pivot arm; asecond pivot arm pivotally engaged to the base, a second pulleyjournalled to the second pivot arm; a flexible tensile member having atoothed engagement with the first pivot arm and a toothed engagementwith the second pivot arm whereby the first pivot arm and the secondpivot arm move in a coordinated manner; and a tensioner assemblypivotally engaged to the base and engaged with the flexible tensilemember.
 2. The tensioner as in claim 1 further comprising: a firstdamping assembly frictionally engaged with the first pivot arm, thefirst damping assembly exerting a greater damping force on the firstpivot arm in a first direction than a second direction; and a seconddamping assembly frictionally engaged with the second pivot arm, thesecond damping assembly exerting a greater damping force on the secondpivot arm in a first direction than a second direction.
 3. The tensioneras in claim 2, wherein: the first damping assembly comprises a firstclutch spring engaged with the base, the first clutch spring loaded inan unwinding direction; and the second damping assembly comprises asecond clutch spring engaged with the base, the second clutch springloaded in an unwinding direction.
 4. The tensioner as in claim 3,wherein the first clutch spring is wound in a direction opposite that ofthe second clutch spring.
 5. The tensioner as in claim 4, wherein thetensioner assembly comprises a torsion spring.
 6. The tensioner as inclaim 1, wherein: the first pivot arm comprises a bore for receiving afastener; and the second pivot arm comprises a bore for receiving afastener.
 7. The tensioner as in claim 1, wherein the flexible tensilemember comprises a toothed belt.
 8. The tensioner as in claim 4, whereinthe first damping assembly comprises a first damping shoe disposedradially inward of a first damping ring, the first damping shoeengagable with the first clutch spring, the first damping ring engagedwith the first pivot arm.
 9. The tensioner as in claim 4, wherein thesecond damping assembly comprises a second damping shoe disposedradially inward of a second damping ring, the second damping shoeengagable with the second clutch spring, the second damping ring engagedwith the second pivot arm.
 10. The tensioner as in claim 1 mounted to analternator.
 11. A tensioner comprising: a base; a first tensionerassembly and a second tensioner assembly, each pivotally attached to thebase; a flexible tensile member trained between the first tensionerassembly and the second tensioner assembly, the tensile member causing acoordinated movement of the first tensioner assembly and the secondtensioner assembly; and a third tensioner attached to the base engagedwith the flexible tensile member.
 12. A tensioner comprising: a base; afirst tensioner assembly mounted to the base, the first tensionerassembly comprising a first pivot arm and a first damping assemblyconfigured to frictionally restrict movement of the first pivot arm in afirst predetermined direction, a first pulley journalled to the firstpivot arm; a second tensioner assembly mounted to the base, the secondtensioner assembly comprising a second pivot arm and a second dampingassembly configured to frictionally restrict movement of the secondpivot arm in a second predetermined direction, a second pulleyjournalled to the second pivot arm; a flexible member engaged betweenthe first tensioner assembly and the second tensioner assembly, theflexible member configured to control movement of the first tensionerassembly and the second tensioner assembly; and a third tensionermounted to the base and engaged with the flexible member.
 13. Thetensioner as in claim 12, wherein: the first damping assembly comprisesa first clutch spring engaged with the base, the first clutch springloaded in an unwinding direction; and the second damping assemblycomprises a second clutch spring engaged with the base, the secondclutch spring loaded in an unwinding direction.
 14. The tensioner as inclaim 13, wherein the first clutch spring is wound in a directionopposite that of the second clutch spring.
 15. The tensioner as in claim14, wherein the third tensioner comprises a torsion spring.
 16. Thetensioner as in claim 12, wherein: the first pivot arm comprises a borefor receiving a fastener; and the second pivot arm comprises a bore forreceiving a fastener.
 17. The tensioner as in claim 12, wherein theflexible member comprises a toothed belt.
 18. The tensioner as in claim13, wherein the first damping assembly comprises a first damping shoedisposed radially inward of a first damping ring, the first damping shoeengagable with the first clutch spring.
 19. The tensioner as in claim13, wherein the second damping assembly comprises a second damping shoedisposed radially inward of a second damping ring, the second dampingshoe engagable with the second clutch spring.
 20. The tensioner as inclaim 12, wherein the first predetermined direction is not in the samedirection as the second predetermined direction.
 21. The tensioner as inclaim 12, wherein: the first pivot arm having a first pivot axis; thesecond pivot arm having a second pivot axis; and the first pivot axisand second pivot axis are non-coaxial.
 22. The tensioner as in claim 12,wherein; the tensioner is mounted to an alternator; and the first pulleyand the second pulley engage a belt, the belt engaged with thealternator.